2 Major AIDS Organizations In Wisconsin Will Merge Next Year

Two of the largest nonprofits fighting AIDS in Wisconsin will merge this February.

The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and the AIDS Network in Madison have similar goals, and have been competing for a limited amount of grant money. Merging could improve their fundraising and expand the services provided by the groups. It's estimated 4,000 people with HIV would get help each year, and that the Madison organization would be able to provide more medical services like its Milwaukee partner.

“If there's something unique and effective that's happening in Madison that we can learn from and use in other parts of Wisconsin to defeat the AIDS epidemic, we'll be able to do that,” said Michael Gifford, president and CEO of ARCW. “If there's something unique and effective in Milwaukee that's working well, we'll be able to deploy that in Madison.”

Another reason for the merger is financial. Daniel Guinn, executive director of the AIDS Network, said overhead costs should be lower and fundraising easier.

“Everybody's seen that drop, whether its from federal or state resources. That's always a big concern,” said Guinn. “I think this (the merger) helps us bolster what we do, and generates reimbursements that help sustain our mission.”

Guinn said all staff will be retained and services will continue without interruption, especially HIV testing and needle exchange.

The AIDS network will take on the name of ARCW when the merger takes place on Feb. 1.

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